Did you know that a man paid nearly $2 million for a Tibetan Mastiff, or that a breed of Australian Shepherd called the Kelpie was bought for about $27,000? Those may be at the higher end of the price spectrum, but they’re by no means the only examples. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. Some, like the Frenchie, are quite common, while others, like the Lowchen, are quite rare. If you spy a breed you like, know that it can cost you dearly.
The 20 most expensive dog breeds in 2022
Check out the The 20 most expensive dog breeds in 2022 below.
20. Canaan Dog: $1,000 to $1,200
“If there are no dogs in heaven, when I die I want to go where they went.”-Will Rogers.
The Canaan dog is a breed rich in history. Considered the national dog of Israel, the Canaan Dog is expensive due to its rarity, with only 2,000 to 3,000 believed to exist. When you have a Canaan Dog as a companion, you are in the presence of a dog so ancient that they have been found their images on the walls of caves. Additionally, Canaan is believed to be one of the first canines to connect with humans. A working breed, these dogs have performed guard duties such as mine detectors and guides for the blind. Smart and tough, these dogs know who they are. Train them early as pups or they will be considered leaders of your pack and not the other way around.
19. Cesky Terrier – Up to $1,000 to $2,000
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself.” -Josh Billings
This charming little dog is not only adorable, but also quite rare, as there are only about 600 left on the planet. Standing around 10 to 13 inches tall and weighing up to 24 pounds, little Cesky, pronounced “chess key,” has little trouble attracting admirers. This little dog is known as the national dog of the Czech Republic. Little Cesky loves children and can spend hours playing. Their silky coat belies the fact that they are strong, muscular dogs built for high-energy activities. Developed by Frantisek Horak, Ceskys make excellent watchdogs, although they are not as vocal as other terriers.
18. Saluki: $1,500 to $2,000
Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read”. -Groucho Marx
Just one look at the Saluki and you’ll realize this sleek and impressive canine is built for speed. In fact, during the Sumerian Empire, researchers have found wall carvings of these dogs on ancient surfaces. As you can see from their short coat, they require minimal grooming. Dogs measure 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 70 pounds. Once considered a royal dog in ancient Egypt, they now rest comfortably in living rooms. The Saluki has an independent nature and is not very interested in following orders. An interesting dog, but unfortunately rare today, which is why they command a higher price.
17. Skye Terrier: $1,000 to $2,000
“Heaven please. If it were on merit, you would stay outside and your dog would come in.”
– Mark Twain
Bred to hunt vermin on the beautiful Scottish Isle of Skye, the Skye Terrier has a unique and distinctive appearance. A small dog only about 10 inches at the shoulder, they make good family companions. However, a bit of warning. The Skye was bred to hunt and kill other animals, so it is important to socialize and train him early. He wants them to be accepting of people, small children, and other pets. When socialized, you will find the Skye Terrier to be a delightful companion. Their long agile little bodies bouncing on the grass, with their feathery ears flapping in the wind is an enchanting sight to behold.
16. Lagotto Romagnolo: $ 500 to $ 2,500
“The only creatures that are evolved enough to transmit pure love are dogs and babies.” – Johnny Depp
The Lagotto Romagnolo or ‘truffle dog’ from Italy is an outright winner when it comes to having an affectionate personality. The Lagotto Romagnolo, pronounced Lah-GO-toe Roman-YO-lo, is a great friend to all members of the family, his curly coat receiving pets and hugs from all. This happy little truffle hunter has a history of locating truffles for his owners. This meant that the breed needed to have a keen sense of smell and be a tireless worker. The characteristics that make this dog so lovable are his sensitive nature, love of play and family. As a side note, if you are a family that loves the water, seriously consider this breed as they love to swim and play in the mud. Due to his strong sense of smell.
15. Mudi: $1,000 to $2,600
“If a dog does not come to you after it has looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” – Woodrow Wilson
An affectionate dog that loves children, the Mudi hails from Hungary, where it serves as a herding dog. This charming breed is a fabulous companion for an active family and will need plenty of exercise. He also ranks high on the intelligence scale, so he expects his Mudi to learn his lessons quickly. A moderate shedder, the Mudi has a tendency to bark, so he may need early training to curb this tendency. During World War II, the breed suffered a severe decline in numbers. Due to the efforts of Dr. Zoltan Balassy, in the 1960s the breed slowly began to recover. Today the Mudi is still considered a rare dog with only a few thousand in existence. Hungary looks at this breed with pride,
14. Dogue de Bordeaux: $1,400 to $2,900
Petting, scratching, and hugging a dog can be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation, and almost as good for the soul as prayer. — Dean Koontz
The Dogue de Bordeaux or “Bordeaux Mastiff” is an ancient and rare breed from France. This large breed can reach a height of 27 inches at the shoulder and reach a weight of 110 pounds. They excel at being family dogs as they are fiercely loyal, love to be cuddled and are very protective of their loved ones. Physically, this dog resembles the mastiff family with its large head, immense strength, and fearless nature.
However, despite their bulk, they are deceptively agile and can move fast when called upon. They have a kind and warm-hearted nature, but are wary of strangers. Despite all the good qualities about him, he is a large dog that will require proper training when young as they are extremely strong so going for a walk should not end in a tug of war. This breed is prone to bloat, which can be fatal, so it’s important to talk to your vet about precautions and what to do if you do get it. Until then, avoiding exercise before or after meals is a good start.
13. French Bulldog $1,500 to $3,000
“Just give me a comfortable sofa, a dog, a good book and a woman. So if you can get the dog to go somewhere and read the book, I might have some fun.” -Groucho Marx
The French Bulldog, or “Frenchie” is the current jewel of the canine world and with one look at these little clowns in action you will understand why. This short, stocky and lovable canine has built up a huge fan base over the years. Charming, affectionate and devoted, the Frenchie quickly bonds with family members, including children and even other dogs. In fact, if one word could be used to describe them, it would be huggable, because that’s the way they are, irresistibly huggable. The Frenchie is also considered the ultimate urban canine companion. Frenchies do well in urban settings and have no problem with apartment living.
Their adaptability makes them the perfect pet for everyone, from those on the go to the sedentary. In fact, they are the perfect companion for many celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, whose little Frenchman, Django, has captured his heart. Important points to remember: Frenchies cannot swim, they are prone to respiratory problems, allergies and eye irritations. The inability to swim is big, because most people think that all dogs can swim, so keep your little clown away from pools, lakes, and ponds.
12. Peruvian Inca Orchid: $1,000 to $3,000
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they complete it.” —Roger Caras
This is an absolutely adorable dog. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a hound bred in ancient Peru that comes in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large. These agile, fast and intelligent pups come with or without fur. Affectionate with family, the Peruvian Inca needs to be socialized with children and pets at a young age. In appearance, this dog resembles other sighthounds, such as the Greyhound or Saluki, which means that it is slim and elegant. This is a faithful breed that is wary of strangers. Also known as the “flower dog,” or PIO, this breed has a high tendency to bark and is said to be hypoallergenic.
11. Azawakh: $300 a $3,000
“It’s just the most amazing thing to love a dog, isn’t it? It makes our relationships with people seem as dull as a bowl of oatmeal.”
Exquisite, elegant and full of class, the Azawakh is a rare but beautiful breed. As a tall, graceful hound, males can reach a height of 29 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 55 pounds. This West African breed was bred to run and run fast. This streamlined breed can be affectionate with immediate family, but is wary of strangers. However, if there are small children and other pets in the home, it is best to properly socialize them as puppies to facilitate bonding. One last thing, this is a deep chested dog. As such, it is crucial to avoid bloating. Talk to your vet for more information, but you can start by slowing down your dogs feeding rate, feeding them small meals throughout the day, and always avoiding exercise before and after meals.
10. Caucasian Ovtcharka: $1,000 to $3,000
“I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans sometimes lack.– Cesar Millan
The Caucasian Ovtcharka is a large dog that can be 25 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 160 pounds. These are intelligent dogs that are considered good family dogs as they are good with children. Just be careful as they are affectionate and playful but may not know their own size or strength. Its coat is thick and long, so it will need regular maintenance. They also require regular bouts of exercise to keep them from becoming bored and out of shape. In the end, they are fabulous watchdogs, protective and fearless.
9. Income: $ 1,000 to $ 4,000
“It doesn’t matter, Hachiko said every day. Here I wait, my friend who is late. I’ll stay, just to walk by your side for one more day.” —Jess C.Scott
To this day, the Akita named Hachiko is revered as a symbol of strength, steadfastness, and loyalty in his native Japan. Today, the Hachiko statue resides at the Shibuya train station in Tokyo. By learning about Hachiko, you get a solid idea of what the Akita is all about and why it is so highly regarded. They are large, solid dogs, 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder with a thick double coat. Protective, faithful, and strong, the Akita needs to be properly socialized as a puppy, or it could get into trouble with strangers and other family pets. This is a powerful and independent breed, so training is recommended.
8. Otterhound: hasta $1,000 a $4,500
“The life of dogs is too short. His only fault, really. ― Agnes Sligh Turnbull
Otterhounds are a rare but much-loved breed, with only around 800 in existence, hence the high price. As a package, you could say that they have it all: protective, loving, loyal and fun. In fact, the Otterhound excels at many tasks, such as obedience trials, agility competitions, and emotional service dogs. Historically speaking, the Otterhound moved. In fact, did you know that Shakespeare is said to have modeled his version of the hounds seen in his plays after the Otterhound? It is also said that Richard III also had a pack of them. Knowing their past history and excellent traits, it is difficult to understand why this wonderful breed became so rare.
7. Cane Corso: $ 1,500 to $ 4,000
“Discipline is not about showing a dog who is boss; it’s about taking responsibility for a living creature you’ve brought into your world.”– Cesar Millan
The Cane Corso or “bodyguard dog” is a powerful, imposing and brave breed. This is the breed that is seen in some of the ancient Roman mosaics as it was considered the Roman War Dog. In fact, when these large, muscular dogs wore their battle armor, they looked even more ferocious. This breed is quite intelligent and learns the ropes quickly. However, they are also a bit stubborn at times and have been known to test their owners to see who is boss. As such, it is crucial to start a training program from the beginning. After all, even though they’re smart, loving, and loyal, they’re also assertive and will test your will, and at over 100 pounds and around 27 inches, you have to be assertive.
6. Portuguese Water Dog: $2,000 to $6,000
“I’ve seen a look in the eyes of dogs, a look of shocked contempt that quickly fades, and I’m convinced that dogs basically think humans are crazy.”– John Steinbeck
Recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1983, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed that originated in Portugal. Good for those with allergies, this breed sports a frizzy, hypoallergenic coat. Add to that the fact that shedding is minimal and you have the perfect breed for allergy sufferers. Bright, sensitive and intelligent, these dogs are fast learners and absorb training like a sponge. They are also quite active, so if you are sedentary, it is best to pass up this breed. As the name suggests, this breed loves the water, so it would make the perfect family companion if you enjoy boating or living by the water. Also known as “Porties,” the Portuguese Water Dog is great with children and even other pets.
5. Landseer Newfoundland: $1,500 to $4,500
“YE! Who may contemplate this simple urn, Pass, does not honor anyone who wishes to cry. To mark the remains of a friend, these stones arise
I never knew a single one, and here it lies” – Lord Byron
The Landseer Newfoundland is a beautiful breed indeed. This large dog measures close to 28 inches at the shoulder and can weigh over 150 pounds. Yet for all their size and girth, they are among the sweetest of breeds. They love children, other pets, and of course their owners. Known to some as “Newfie”, we are talking about here the Landseer Newfoundland, popularized by the English painter Edwin Landseer.
The Landseer has a black and white coat and is more expensive than the standard black Newfies. The reason for this is simple: Newfies are not the easiest dogs to breed, so those with black and white coloring will cost more. The famous poet Lord Byron owned a Landseer named Boatswain. After his Landseer’s death, he had the dog placed in a large above-ground grave with a poem he composed, “Epitaph for a Dog.” It is really a beautiful piece of work.
4. Lowchen: $300 to $4,500
“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be greatly appreciated if it were not so common. Our Lord God has made the greatest gifts from him the most common.” – Martin Luther
Officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1996, the Lowchen or “little lion” is a dog you probably haven’t heard of, which is a shame as this dog has such fine qualities. First of all, he doesn’t shed much at all. Second, they are a small breed with a lot of love to give. Affectionate, loyal and fun, he is a great family dog. As for the coat, since it continues to grow, it requires regular maintenance to keep it tangle-free. The Lowchen usually has a ‘lion cut’ which gives it the look of a miniature lion. This means that the back of the body is cut down to the skin, and the front is given a lion’s mane.
3. Old English Bulldog: $500 to $6,500
“If I have any belief about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few people. ” —James Thurber
While the spelling of the name gives an ancient and historical insight, this breed is actually a modern designer dog. That’s right, the Olde English Bulldogge was bred in 1971 by David Leavitt. He crossed 4 breeds, Bullmastiff, Pitbull, American Bulldog and English Bulldog, to create the Olde English Bulldogge. His main goal was to try to reverse the respiratory problem that bulldogs developed due to poor breeding practices.
He also wanted to create a breed that had an “old fashioned” look, but with a new designer dog personality. In 2014, the breed was recognized by the UKC and placed in the Guard Dog category. The breed is not only an excellent watchdog, but they are also affectionate, doing well in both urban and rural settings, and are good with children. The downside for some is the high price. However, as a new breed, great care is taken to ensure good breeding practices to prevent backyard breeding.
2. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog $2,000 to $8,000
“Dogs are the wizards of the universe.”
― Clarissa Pinkola Estes
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is an extremely rare breed, which is why they command such a high price. Between the years 1955 to 1965 Karel Hartl decided to breed dogs for the guards who guarded the borders of the countries. He reasoned that if he took a German shepherd and crossed it with a Carpathian wolf, he would get the best of both worlds: an obedient dog with the tenacity and stamina of a wolf. Today the breed is fully recognized by the AKC as a working dog. Temperament wise, this is an absolutely stunning, devoted and tough canine.
Not an urban breed, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, with some recommending up to 2 hours of activity per day. They are quick learners, sometimes have a stubborn nature, so it is recommended that these dogs be handled by experienced owners. One last word of warning, these dogs do look very similar to wolves, so if you live in an area that allows predator extermination, it is advisable not to buy this breed as they can be mistaken for wolves.
1. Tibetan Mastiff: $2,000 to $10,000
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They know neither wickedness nor jealousy nor discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing wasn’t boring, it was peace.”– Milan Kundera
In 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff was sold for $1.95 million in China to a businessman who was considering breeding his own Tibetan Mastiffs. While this is a good amount, there is no doubt that this dog is currently one of the most expensive breeds on the planet. Loyal, fearless and wary of strangers, the Tibetan Mastiff does well as a family companion. Height-wise, they stand at 26 inches at the shoulder and can tip the scales at over 100 pounds, though their mass of fluffy fur can make them look even bigger. Dedicated, brave and surprisingly agile, these dogs are a treasure to own.